In just a few short hours 2014 will be behind us. Exciting yes? And of course, with a new year comes lots of exciting new technologies, innovations… and even more lovely hi-fi products! We’ve had a good dig around and we have managed to root out a few tit bits of new product news, be that stuff that has just been released and is ready to order, or a few rumours of products to come. Naturally, the world of hi-fi is pretty secretive, but we’ve done what we can to bring you the news first. A trend we plan on continuing in the future!
Arcam
It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t mention Arcam’s awesome new Solo Bar. Arcam have garnered a bit of a reputation for keeping up with demand, and as sound bars are all the rage it was only a matter of time before they unleashed one of their own on the world! It boasts a level of versatility and compatibility almost unheard of in the field so far. It will work with 4K video sources, has a virtually lossless Bluetooth AptX receiver and is also compatible with lossless HD audio formats from Dolby & DTS. It functions for both AV and stereo, and looks stunning too. Sound bars are going from strength to strength and – with the likes of Arcam on board – the only way is up! And we’re very happy to say that we have it on demo!
Cyrus
Cyrus have been keeping shtum on new releases in 2015, only letting slip that they will be unveiling something at the Sound & Vision Bristol Show in February (we’ll let you know as soon as we know!) but what is worth mentioning is the hot-off-the-press release of the Cyrus Stereo 200 (above) – a power amp with bags of potential. Designed to work in conjunction with all existing Cyrus systems, this is a Class D power amp with a sound that Cyrus are proud of putting their logo on. So much so, this is the exact model that will be wired up to whatever they will be revealing in February in Bristol. You heard it hear first folks!
KEF
Okay, not exactly new. But KEF keep the details of their new releases under lock and key. Even our trusty insiders don’t seem to know very much! So, in the meantime, we’re focusing all of our attention on their latest Reference Series, which includes the simply stunning flagship: KEF The Reference 5 which we already have available to demo. Following in their footsteps we will soon have the Reference 3s, the Reference 1s and the Reference Subwoofer too. We wouldn’t be surprised if there will be a cheeky AV package on the horizon either! What do these landmark new speakers have in common? It all boils down to a stunning new iteration of KEF’s landmark innovation: the Uni-Q point source MF/HF driver array. Oh and KEF’s virtually unrivalled passion and precision. As for everything else… you’ll have to wait for KEF to come clean!
Pro-Ject
Pro-ject have already unveiled their latest releases for 2015. First up, we have the forth in their RPM1 turntable series: the RPM1 Carbon. It will come in three funky colours and features a low resonance chassis and a inverted platter bearing with a ceramic ball. The S-shaped carbon fibre tonearm boasts an aluminium core, bringing together low mass with rigidity. Also from Pro-Ject we are expecting the release of the DS Strobo – a Speed Box designed exclusively for use with the multi-award winning Debut Carbon turntable, serving as a very effective upgrade. It will control the speed of the motor effectively, ultimately improving the overall sound quality hugely. It’s not just the Debut Carbon that will benefit, the Strobo is a great upgrade for all Pro-Ject turntables with 230V motors and a captive mains lead. In fact most turntables with 16V motors will be able to use this upgrade – so it will be a good all rounder.
Roksan
No, you’re not going crazy. Roksan’s K3 Integrated Amp (as pictured!) has been around for some time. However we have had a little tip off from our good friends there that 2015 will see the release of the new K3 Power Amp which will be the latest piece in the Roksan K3 separates puzzle. And surely it won’t be long until we have a matching pre amp too…? Time will tell!
Oppo
We’ve already talked about these before, but that isn’t going to stop us from talking about them again! Following on from the phenomenal successes of the PM-1 and PM-2 headphones and their corresponding HA-1 headphone amplifier, Oppo decided to take things further still! What you see before you are the PM-3 headphones and the HA-2 portable headphone amplifier! What we know so far is they’re both derived heavily from their predecessors, and are both intended for use on the go. They’re scaled back versions which carry the exact same technology that made their fore-bearers the massive successes that they were… and we honestly can’t wait to get our hands on them!
Tannoy
Not completely new, but certainly a series of speakers that will be taking the hi-fi world by storm in the coming months! The Tannoy Revolution XT series features the XT 6F floorstanders, the XT 6 Speakers, the XT Mini Speakers and the XT C Centre Speaker. They work beautifully apart, but they work even better together. Tannoy have focused on perfecting the cabinet design and drivers to make a set of speakers that will bring the new year in with a bang. And yes, you can come and listen to them here with us very soon.
Yamaha
It wouldn’t be us if we didn’t finish with a nice little exclusive! The Yamaha EPH-M100 take the name of the now famous EPH-100 IEMs and add an “M” for remote. If you want a remote, these are stunning earphones. We still prefer the original EPH-100 (also an Audio Affair exclusive and now in our sale) for style and sound, but stocks are limited so it’s always worth getting yours orders in. Perhaps a little post-christmas pressie?
Well… that’s it for now. As we said before, new product news is kept under lock and key in the hi-fi industry, but we will do what we can to bring you the news as soon as it breaks. And in the mean time, there are still plenty of lovely new products for you to get your teeth stuck into!
All that’s left to say now is Happy New Year, from all of us here at Audio Affair. We look forward to speaking to you, or seeing you in store, in the new year.
… Happy listening!